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Earthquake Rocks Queensland North Of Hamilton Island

The 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck about 2.30pm with no immediate reports of damage.
The earthquake hit off coastal Bowen, near Hamilton Island
Felix Martinez
The earthquake hit off coastal Bowen, near Hamilton Island

An earthquake has rocked Queensland near Hamilton Island, with Geoscience Australia recording it at magnitude 5.8.

Queensland Police said there were no immediate reports of damage.

Journalist Bridgid Glanville was on holidays in Hamilton Island when it struck and said she grabbed her kids and ran outside while others said they felt the tremor in their rooms.

Tremors were also felt in Townsville and Townsville Bulletin reported hundreds of people were temporarily evacuated from the CBD while the all-clear was given.

The centre of the earthquake was in deep water off the coastal town of Bowen but Geoscience Australia said it was not "potentially tsunamigenic" -- meaning it was not likely to cause a tsunami.

Aftershocks however, were likely.

A seismograph from Mount Surprise shows the earthquake.
Geosciences Australia
A seismograph from Mount Surprise shows the earthquake.

More to come.

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